Bree-Anna Burick Jun 3, 2024 7 min read

4 Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog

Dogs are the most popular pets in the United States, followed by cats and freshwater fish. Based on recent studies, roughly 65.1 million American households have at least one dog, which comes to around 66% of the population. There’s certainly no denying that few things are as flattering as coming home to a dog who is thrilled to see you. The warm reception of a wagging tail and a quick lick to the side of your face lets you know that at least one creature is thrilled to see you walk through the door.

Unfortunately, many people purchase or adopt dogs without considering the amount of work that they require. If there is any such thing as a “passive” pet, dogs certainly don’t fit that bill. Instead, they’re a lot of work, but the love that they provide makes them more than worth it. If you’re considering adding a dog to your household, you’ll need to spend some time carefully thinking about a few things.

Shop or Adopt?

One of the hottest debates in the world of pet ownership involves shopping or adopting. There are plenty of good, ethical pet shops out there that treat animals well before helping them find their forever homes. Unfortunately, a quick Google search will show you plenty of horror stories about “puppy mills,” inhumane businesses that treat their dogs horribly, using them only to breed the next litter of pups that they’re going to sell. Those places rarely take any kind of precaution to ensure pure breeding, and the puppies they sell are usually sick. While it’s commendable to want to rescue a puppy from such a place, one could easily argue that giving them your money only allows them to keep going.

Conversely, most animal shelters are at or near capacity, largely because people don’t take the time to consider whether they’re ready for dog ownership. Rescuing a dog from an animal shelter is certainly an altruistic method of getting a dog, but it does come with some question marks. Most notably, it’s hard to be sure that you’re getting a pure-bred animal. Before you get a dog of your own, you’ll want to consider what matters most to you. If you do decide to purchase an animal, do some homework on the place that you’re buying from. Not only do you not want to give money to people who abuse animals, but you also don’t know anything about the dog that you’re getting.

How Much Time Do You Have?

One of the main reasons that people drop their dogs off at the shelter or give them away to someone else is that they just don’t have time for them. This is especially problematic when you’re training the dog. Unlike cats, who naturally go to a litter box for all of their bathroom needs, dogs need to be potty trained. You’ll have a choice to make about what method you want to use. Some people opt for the puppy training pads that allow your dog to relieve itself in your house on a pad that protects your floors, while others train their dogs to go outside for their bathroom needs. Obviously, you’ll need to consider your housing situation when deciding that. If you don’t have a fenced-in yard, or you live too close to a busy road, you don’t want your pup going outside unsupervised.

Dogs require time throughout their lives. While the potty training phase takes most of your focus during the “puppy stage,” dogs want to be a major part of your life. They like your attention and they like playing with you. If you don’t have the time it takes to love and train a dog, it may be worth putting off your purchase until things calm down for you.

What Breed Will You Choose?

In a technical sense, this consideration ties directly to the last one. Some breeds of dogs require more time than others, especially when training them. If you have time for a dog but feel like that time is limited, you’ll want to choose a breed that doesn’t require a ton of extra work. Also, if it’s in your budget, you can consider enrolling your dog in some obedience training that they can go through while you’re at work. Some breeds like dachshunds, French bulldogs, and shih tzus typically don’t require a huge time investment.

You’ll also need to think about how much space you have in your home. Obviously, if you’re living in a smaller apartment, you probably won’t want to choose a large breed that needs a lot of space for playing and activity. Make sure that you’re choosing a breed that can be comfortable in the space that you have. Remember, if you choose a small dog, it will be fine if you ever move into a larger home. However, a large dog may feel cramped if you try to make it live in a smaller area.

The Hidden Costs of Dog Ownership

Some people think about the cost of purchasing a dog and assume that they’re done spending money. Nothing could be further from the truth. According to a 2024 report published in USA Today, the average annual cost of owning a dog comes to $4,512 per year. That comes to around $376 per month or $94 per week.

If you purchase a dog that has not been spayed or neutered, you’re going to find yourself spending some money pretty early on. Along with the routine vaccines that all young pups should get, you may end up spending anywhere between $50 and $500 depending on your vet’s rates and other factors. You’ll also want to consider the ongoing costs of providing medical care to your dog. Even if there aren’t any health problems, you’ll need to invest in flea and tick medicine, heartworm medication, and other maintenance meds that allow your dog to live a long, healthy life.

Additionally, you should choose a type of food that is good for your dog. If your new pet has any stomach or kidney issues or allergy sensitivities, you may have to purchase a special formula for dog food. These special formulas cost more than a standard bag of dog food.

Finally, you’ll need to think about grooming. Do you want to invest in regular professional grooming, or do you plan on handling the grooming obligations on your own? Even if you’re going to save money by grooming your dog yourself, you’ll need to purchase the right type of shampoo.

Other costs include everything from dog toys to treats, and crates if you choose to crate train your new pet. USA Today also reports that dogs live an average of 10-13 years, so you’ll need to be prepared to spend anywhere between $45,000 and $59,000 over your dog’s life.

Owning a dog has the potential to provide you with years of companionship, but it’s not a decision that should be taken lightly. Before you choose a dog and bring it into your home, be sure that you’re ready to make an informed commitment. After all, your new furry friend is completely dependent on you.

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